Episode 94: How Computers Work Part IV - Processor Architecture and Machine Code

Episode 94: How Computers Work Part IV - Processor Architecture and Machine Code

Author: James Fodor February 4, 2018 Duration: 1:10:51
In this fourth part in our series on computers, I begin with an overview of the von Neumann architecture used in most modern computers. This leads in a discussion of the structure and operation of the central processing unit, covering the instruction register, the program counter, main memory, the data and address buses, the ALU, and the control Unit. I then discuss the purpose and implementation of a number of key operations in the instruction set architecture, including arithmetic operations, data movement operations, and conditional branches.

Curiosity about how the world works is a universal trait, and The Science of Everything Podcast is built on that very impulse. Host James Fodor guides conversations that roam freely across disciplines, from the physics of black holes to the complexities of human behavior studied in social sciences. Each episode feels like a deep dive into a new subject, where the common thread is a rigorous yet accessible application of the scientific method. You’ll hear explanations that break down complex ideas without oversimplifying them, focusing on the fascinating insights that research reveals about our universe and our place within it. This isn't a lecture series, but rather an exploration driven by genuine inquiry. Whether the topic is rooted in biology, chemistry, sociology, or astronomy, the aim is to connect the dots between abstract principles and the tangible reality we experience. The result is a consistently engaging audio experience that reminds us just how much there is left to discover. Tune in to this thoughtful podcast for a regular dose of understanding, designed to satisfy both the casual question-asker and the dedicated lifelong learner.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Science of Everything Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 116: The  Cell Membrane [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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An introduction to the cell membrane, including a discussion of the structure of the bilipid membrane, an overview of the structure and function of membrane proteins, a review of the fluid mosaic model, and a discussion…
Episode 115: Special Relativity Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In the second and final part of this series, I discuss the major consequences of special relativity, including the relativity of simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, and mass-energy equivalence. I then provid…
Episode 114: Special Relativity Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:52
The first of a two part series on special relativity, I provide a brief overview of the historical development of relativity theory, including a discussion of the role of the Michelson-Morley experiment, and consideratio…
Special Episode: Visual Processing in Mice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:08
I discuss the methods and results of my Master's Thesis, in which I analysed electrophysiological data of the mouse visual system using a variety of statistical and computational techniques. I consider some of the major…
Episode 113: Visual Processing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:31
A discussion of higher-order processing of information in the visual system, including an overview of how the brain extracts edges and basic shapes from simple stimuli in the retina, how motion is detected, how parts of…
Episode 112: Introduction to Microbiology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:19
An overview of the field of microbiology, beginning with a brief history of the discipline, and then proceeding through a summary of the structure and function of various microbial life forms, including protists, yeasts,…
Episode 111: Plate Tectonics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
An introduction to the theory of plate tectonics, beginning with an overview of the internal structure of Earth, the differences between oceanic and continental crust, subduction and other forms of plate boundaries, the…
Episode 110: Weather Part II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:56
Building on the basic concepts discussed in the previous episode, this episode examines the formation and development of a wide range of weather phenomena, including air fronts, midlatitude cyclones, tropical cyclones, t…
Episode 109: Weather Part I [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:05
An introduction to key concepts relevant to understanding weather, including relative and absolute humidity, atmospheric stability, cloud formation and classification, types of precipitation, and the formation and classi…
Episode 108: Political Institutions and Sustained Economic Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:12
In this sixth and final part in our series on economic growth and development, I discuss in more detail some of the key institutions necessary for economic growth to begin, focusing on property rights, enforcement of con…